The Capital Program Cost Engineer will forecast, prepare, review, and track capital budget estimates for water utility projects using established industry standards and Company guidelines. This position will oversee cost estimating for all capital projects to ensure accurate estimates. This position is located in the San Jose, California Customer Support Services Office.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Creates and manages the Company capital estimating program including preparing and reviewing cost estimates for projects based on industry standards and Company guidelines

Oversees and maintains the Company cost catalog incorporating past and current projects and industry price trends

Develops and creates a system that collects and connects bid costs, purchase order costs, and the cost catalog automatically

Provides guidelines, tools, and training documentation for engineers and other employees to create accurate and consistent high-level costs for program planning as well as detailed project cost estimates for capital improvement projects

Confers and collaborates with engineers or other suppliers on changes and adjustments to cost estimates. Makes recommendations on future improvements to cost estimating practices.

Reviews cost estimates prepared by engineers, superintendents, agencies, vendors and contractors for accuracy and to determine the appropriateness of the estimate, the statement of work, and the vendor quotation

Reviews projects upon completion for variance analysis and effectiveness of estimating strategy as well as the cost effectiveness of the design, procurement and construction management process

Supports in the review of project scope, schedule and budget and providing information to the Capital Program Management Committee for budget overages.

Assists in reviewing Request For Proposal (RFP) submissions to ensure accuracy of estimates

Produces written reports on project cost variances and basis of estimates for use as supporting documentation to the Company’s capital improvement program submitted to the California Public Utility Commission

Participates and supports the Company’s Continuous Improvement program and projects

Performs other duties of the same or similar nature

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management or similar field; or equivalent relevant experience

Two years of experience working in an engineering capacity; including experience with construction cost estimates, design and construction plans, and construction of facilities

Water industry experience preferred

Experience using MS Office, including Word and PowerPoint, with strong skills in Excel

Experience using MS Access preferred

AACE Certifications CCC or CCE or a Certified Professional Estimator certification from ASPE preferred. Applicants without aforementioned certification will be required to complete a minimum level of cost estimating training within 12 months towards certification

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present cost estimating findings to Directors and Officers.

Experience with PowerPlan’s Asset Management Module preferred

Knowledge of estimating, forecasting, and tracking construction projects and programs of various sizes and budgets

Knowledge of estimating standard practices and the ability to implement them within the Company guidelines for creating and managing cost estimates

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of engineering plans, drawings, and models

Knowledge of construction management and planning including industry practices and guidelines

Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction of water utility projects

Ability to efficiently manage and prioritize multiple projects and tasks

Ability to collaborate effectively with a team of engineers, agencies, or vendors to ensure appropriateness of estimates

The Equal Opportunity Policy of the Company is based upon the philosophy that all people should be treated fairly and with dignity. California Water Service, Hawaii Water Service Company, New Mexico Water Service Company and Washington Water Service Company do not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected class. The Company makes all employment decisions in a non-discriminatory manner. EOE, VET, DISABILITIES

California Water Service (Cal Water) invites you to pursue a career with the largest investor-owned American water utility west of the Mississippi River and the third-largest publicly traded water utility in the country. Formed in 1926, the San Jose-based company was named one of the Bay Area’s Top Workplaces several years in a row. Cal Water employees pride themselves on sharing a commitment to b...eing the leader in providing its customers and communities with traditional and innovative utility services.
Cal Water offers a generous total compensation package. We have competitive salaries and match a portion of employees' contributions to their Company 401(k). In addition, we provide a Company-funded pension plan, great healthcare benefits that provide coverage to employees and dependents, and generous tuition reimbursement. In addition, employees receive 11 paid holidays and three floating holidays per year, and two weeks of sick leave and vacation.
We are committed to hiring the best candidates, developing current employees, and promoting from within. Continuous improvement and employee development opportunities allow employees to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to progress and reach your career goals.